Phnom Penh Post - Phnom Penh picks: As the rains begin, save yourself a soaking and get kitted out

Flower power: this delicate umbrella can be found at Waterlily and costs $10. Charlotte Pert

Daisy umbrellas, Waterlily, $10
They might not withstand a downpour, but Waterlily’s whimsical umbrellas sure are pretty. Adorned with daisies that dangle as you walk, they’re a cheery sight on a drizzly day. The shop also stocks stronger black umbrellas decorated with shiny polka dots for $15.
Waterlily, #37 Eo Street 240. 10am until 7pm, or 5pm on Saturdays

Silver raincoats with illustrations at Waterlily. Charlotte Pert

Raincoats, Waterlily, $90 and up
From pillarbox red macs to long silver raincoats personalized with cartoonish portraits, there’s an eclectic choice of rainwear on offer at boutique fashion store Waterlily. With illustrations by artist Theo Vallier, the $90 shiny raincoats are a striking choice. Waterproof trousers, skirts and hats are also available.
37 Eo Street 240. 10am until 7pm, or 5pm on Saturdays.

Sturdy umbrellas are for sale at City Mart. Bennett Murray

Ordinary umbrellas, City Mart, $7.20
For a country with such heavy seasonal rainfall, umbrellas are surprisingly rare in the Kingdom’s shops. Perhaps the sheer water volume of the Kingdom’s downpours make umbrellas slightly impractical when the floodgates open, but the post-storm drizzle on a July afternoon can be just bothersome enough to warrant some protection. The sporting shop on the fifth floor of Sorya mall provides plain Hangten brand umbrellas for $7.20. They won’t win any fashion awards, but will get the job done.
City Mart, fifth floor of Sorya Shopping Centre. 9am-9pm

Nike’s Stormfit water-resistant jacket is a light coat. Bennett Murray

Nike StormFit, City Mart, $53.60
Choosing the right raincoat for Cambodia is a tricky balancing act between staying dry and keeping cool. Although the rainy season provides some relief from April’s infernal sun, the heat and humidity is nothing to sneer at. Nike’s StormFit water-resistant jacket is about as light as a coat you could find, and while it does not cover the entire body, it would at least keep your torso dry as you hop between buildings during an annoying afternoon shower. At $53.60, however, it’s a little more of an investment option.
City Mart, fifth floor of Sorya Shopping Centre. 9am-9pm

Disney-themed coats for kids can be found at IBC. Will Jackson

Children’s rainwear at IBC, $3.60 and up
The International Book Centre has your kids covered when it comes to ponchos ($3.60) and raincoats ($6.80). The outlet on Sihanouk has varieties in blue with Spiderman or pink with Disney princesses. Unfortunately for those whose clothing taste tends towards the kitsch, they don’t come in adult sizes.
IBC #154Eo Sihanouk Boulevard

Raincoats can be bought from $50 at DAH Import. Will Jackson

Rain jackets at DAH Export, $50 and up
For some fairly serious-looking locally made Stearns rain protection, head to DAH Export. They have men’s and women’s three-quarter length rain jackets for $100 and waist-length rain jackets for $50. They include handy design features like taped seams for waterproofness and an interior MP3 player pocket, but may be a little heavy duty.
DAH Export, #87 Sihanouk Boulevard